Giant Ichneumon Wasp

Description:

A huge female giant ichneumon wasp, specifically M. atrata. This species is found throughout North America and are like all Ichnuemons, is a parasitoid. Its preferred prey is the pigeon horntail, which is preyed upon by another parasitoid wasp of the Megarhyssa genus, M. macrurus.

Habitat:

Found in deciduous woodland. This species often can be found near rotting wood so they can parasitize the eggs of the pigeon horntail and other insects.